Operatives of Nigerian Navy have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbers and kidnappers in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted on September 30, following reports that criminal gangs were targeting fishermen, seizing their boats and stealing outboard engines.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno.
He said during the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals. The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks when they sighted the naval personnel, triggering a pursuit.
Folorunsho said one of the abandoned boats contained several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.
The naval team rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further action.
Folorunso said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Naval spokesperson said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives and securing legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.
He also said the service would sustain proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent criminal activities and respond promptly to distress situations.
The Nigerian Navy spokesperson, however, stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support in tackling maritime crimes, urging coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information to security agencies.
According to him, the Navy would continue to deploy its ships, bases, surveillance systems and maritime quick response teams to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and deny criminal elements freedom of action.